Celiac Disease

The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University has established itself as a leader in the field, both nationally and internationally, by providing the highest quality, compassionate care for children and adults with celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten prompts an immune reaction that damages the small intestine, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. Although the most common symptoms of celiac disease are gastrointestinal—mainly diarrhea—the disease can affect the liver, skin, bones, and nervous system.

Our center’s home within Columbia University Irving Medical Center strengthens our work in the science and treatment of celiac disease. We conduct innovative research and translational studies across various divisions, departments, centers, and institutes. All the center’s research focuses on celiac disease as a multisystem disorder. 

In addition, we work closely with other departments, including endocrinology, bone metabolism, rheumatology, surgery, hematology, oncology, neurology, and dental medicine. This team approach ensures continuity in your care, which is especially important for the youngest patients. It can be challenging for children to follow a gluten-free diet as they transition through the different developmental stages from childhood to young adulthood. Our approach ensures that each child we treat has an established relationship with a registered dietitian to guide these vulnerable periods and throughout their adult lives.